Spire

The Spire opened in Wavertree in 2006 and has been warmly hailed in the North West, where creditable additions to the restaurant scene are always particularly welcome. Its progress has been marked by Awards, including a Food Hero Award for Chef Owner Matte Locke.

From three menus, lunch, prix fixe, and a la carte we selected from the latter. Six starters may include Cornish smoked haddock and chive risotto with white wine foam, or pan roasted breast of wood pigeon with carrot puree, green bean and herb salad.

Main courses of braised shoulder of lamb, served with shallot and aubergine puree, roasted lamb cutlet with couscous, or an assiette of pork with crisp belly pork, honey and five spice infused belly pork, roasted loin, Savoy cabbage and vegetable ragout lend a distinguished air to a menu that seldom lacks for brilliance no matter how often it changes.

Amongst the desserts look for the raspberry soufflé, or consider the excellent selection of raw farmhouse cheeses served with miller damsel biscuits and pear chutney.

An excellent wine list with a distinguished selection of champagnes, wines by the glass, and some fine dessert wines all combine to reassure and convince first time diners and ensure that they return soon.

'A truly warm-hearted, genial environment where diners feel immediately at their ease, regardless of the fact that they're experiencing some of the region's most sublime culinary talent', was how Metro summed it up in December 2006. Few would disagree.